Android Audio Data Sharing via File Descriptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In traditional Android systems, when multiple applications need to share audio data, the current method of copying the audio data reduces efficiency and can cause issues like audio frame loss and lagging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for data sharing that involves acquiring target audio data, storing it in memory, determining a file descriptor corresponding to the memory address, and sharing this file descriptor between applications, allowing them to access the audio data without copying it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio data is copied between different application processes, then data sharing is enabled, but use efficiency is greatly reduced and audio frame loss and lagging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses file descriptor copying as a mechanism to enable data sharing between processes. Instead of copying the actual audio data, the system copies lightweight file descriptors that reference the shared audio data in memory. This resolves the contradiction by enabling inter-process access (adaptability) while avoiding the performance penalty of duplicating large audio data buffers (productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct process-to-process data access to indirect access through a shared memory mechanism with file descriptors. This dimensional shift introduces an intermediary layer (the file descriptor system) that enables cross-process sharing without requiring direct process access, thus maintaining efficiency while enabling versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio data is copied between different application processes, then data sharing is enabled, but audio frame loss and lagging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies only the file descriptor (a small integer or structure) rather than the audio data itself. This lightweight copying mechanism enables process A to access process B's audio data without the overhead and potential errors associated with copying large binary data buffers, thus maintaining audio data integrity while enabling sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The file descriptor acts as an intermediary that bridges different application processes. Instead of processes directly accessing or copying each other's audio buffers (which causes frame loss and lag), the file descriptor mediates access through a standardized interface, ensuring reliable and efficient audio data sharing.
3Ease of operation
If traditional audio core framework interfaces are used, then application functions are enabled, but process isolation prevents direct audio data access
Solution Approach 1:
The file descriptor mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a process identifier, a memory reference, and a sharing handle simultaneously. This universal mechanism simplifies the overall system by providing a single interface for both process management and data sharing, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from multiple specialized access mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for data sharing. which are used for improving the usage efficiency of audio data and avoiding frame loss and lagging of a piece of audio. The method includes: acquiring target audio data to be shared between different application programs, and storing the target audio data in a memory; determining a file descriptor corresponding to the target audio data according to a memory address where the target audio data is stored; and sharing the file descriptor between the different application programs, so that the different application programs acquire the target audio data according to the memory address corresponding to the file descriptor.